countyscore
61.5
County Score
Property Tax 97.8Income & Jobs 94.7Safety 74.7

County Report Card

About Teton County, Idaho

Teton County Outperforms the National Median

Teton County's composite score of 61.4 far exceeds the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of U.S. jurisdictions for overall quality of life.

A Top Performer in the Gem State

With a 61.4 score, Teton significantly outperforms the Idaho state average of 52.2. It stands as one of the most desirable counties in the state for broad livability metrics.

High Incomes and Exceptional Tax Rates

The county shines with a Tax Score of 96.4 and an Income Score of 92.3. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $90,740 while benefiting from a very low effective tax rate of 0.346%.

Navigating a High Cost of Entry

High living costs pose a significant hurdle, as evidenced by a low Cost Score of 14.3. The median home value of $595,900 makes the area much less affordable than many of its Idaho neighbors.

A Premium Haven for High Earners

This county is a premier choice for professionals seeking a low-tax environment and high safety. It rewards those who can navigate the expensive housing market with a superior quality of life.

2040608010097.813.374.768.958.494.770.635.750.4Tax97.8Cost13.3Safety74.7Health68.9Schools58.4Income94.7Risk70.6Water35.7Weather50.461.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Teton County DNA

Doverall

How Teton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Teton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (13.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.8+45.8
Cost
13.3-34.7
Safety
74.7+19.700000000000003
Health
68.9+18.900000000000006
Schools
58.4
Income
94.7+43.7
Risk
70.6+23.599999999999994
Water
35.7-22.299999999999997
Weather
50.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$690,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,319/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$690,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$52,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $99,805/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Madison County
Idaho
53.1
Bonneville County
Idaho
41.7
Teton County
Wyoming
61.6
Fremont County
Idaho
62.8
Jefferson County
Idaho
53.7
Clark County
Idaho
52.6
Bingham County
Idaho
48.7
Caribou County
Idaho
66.2

Deep Dives

Teton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Teton County

via TaxByCounty

Teton's tax rate undercuts the nation

At 0.346%, Teton County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,065 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of $625 per year despite Teton's median home value being more than double the national average.

Idaho's lowest-taxing county

Teton County ranks first in Idaho for the lowest effective tax rate at 0.346%, significantly undercutting the state average of 0.508%. This 0.162 percentage-point advantage means Teton homeowners benefit from one of the most tax-friendly assessments in the state.

A regional tax haven

Teton County's 0.346% rate dramatically outpaces neighboring Twin Falls County (0.667%), Valley County (0.297%), and Washington County (0.526%). Only Valley County approaches Teton's affordability, but Teton's median home values are $595,900 versus Valley's $599,500, meaning Teton residents pay nearly identical absolute dollars despite identical appreciation pressures.

What the average Teton home costs annually

A homeowner with a median-valued Teton property ($595,900) pays approximately $2,065 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $2,230; without one, it drops to $1,875.

Check your assessment for overvaluation

Many Idaho property owners are assessed above fair market value and can appeal for refunds. If you believe your Teton County assessment is inflated, an appeal to the county assessor's office costs nothing and could recover years of overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Teton County

via IncomeByCounty

Teton Outearns Most of America

Teton County's median household income of $90,740 sits 21% above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This prosperity stems largely from Jackson Hole's thriving tourism and real estate markets. Few American counties match Teton's earning power.

Idaho's Richest County

At $90,740, Teton County's median household income towers 38% above Idaho's state average of $65,770, making it the state's wealthiest county by this measure. The county's per capita income of $46,968 nearly doubles the state average of $32,503. Teton stands alone as Idaho's income leader.

Teton Dominates Regional Earnings

Teton's $90,740 median household income vastly outpaces neighboring Valley County ($76,125) and Twin Falls County ($65,338), reflecting its concentration of high-wage tourism and hospitality jobs. Even compared to Valley County, its closest competitor regionally, Teton earns $14,615 more per household. This gap widens further against Washington County's $53,608.

High Income, High Housing Costs

Teton's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing remains affordable relative to earnings, despite a median home value of $595,900—the highest in this group. The county's strong income cushions against the region's steep property costs. However, homeownership still requires significant household wealth.

Build on Teton's Economic Momentum

With median income nearly double the national average, Teton households are positioned to invest aggressively in retirement accounts, education, and diversified portfolios. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged savings strategies and wealth-building opportunities suited to your income level. Your earning power is a rare asset—deploy it strategically.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Teton County

via CrimeByCounty

Teton County remains significantly safer than the nation

Teton County reports a total crime rate of 601.0 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. With an exceptional safety score of 99.1, local law enforcement reports suggest a very secure environment compared to typical U.S. communities.

A high-ranking performer in Idaho safety

The county's safety score of 99.1 exceeds the Idaho state average of 98.4. While only one reporting agency provides these figures, Teton maintains its reputation as one of the state's most secure regions.

Regional safety outperforms neighboring Twin Falls

Teton's crime rate of 601.0 per 100,000 people is much lower than Twin Falls County's rate of 1,482.5. This highlights a distinct safety advantage for residents in the eastern part of the state compared to southern urban centers.

Property and violent crimes stay well below benchmarks

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 186.2 per 100,000, roughly half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is even lower relative to national trends, with 414.8 reports per 100,000 compared to the U.S. figure of 2,015.7.

Maintaining vigilance in a low-crime area

Despite low crime figures, residents should remain proactive about home security to maintain this high standard. Simple measures like smart lighting and secure locks ensure Teton County remains a safe haven for all.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Teton County

via WeatherByCounty

High Altitude Mountain Living

Teton County averages a chilly 40.8°F annually, sitting 13 degrees below the national median. This high-altitude climate is significantly cooler than the typical American county.

Among Idaho's Coldest Regions

With an annual average of 40.8°F, Teton ranks well below the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It remains one of the coldest pockets in the state throughout the year.

Wetter and Cooler Than Peers

The county receives 19.2 inches of precipitation, outpacing the Idaho average of 17.0 inches. It maintains a cooler profile than many neighboring agricultural counties to the west.

Mild Summers and Harsh Winters

July averages a comfortable 63.9°F with only one day per year reaching 90°F. However, winters are intense with a December to February average of just 20.5°F.

Prepare for the Long Freeze

Residents need high-performance heating systems to combat January averages of 19.3°F. While specific local snowfall data is unavailable, neighboring mountain peaks require heavy-duty winter gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Teton County

via SoilByCounty

High-Altitude Soil Profiles in Teton

While specific pH and taxonomic data for Teton are unavailable, regional profiles often lean slightly acidic compared to the 6.5 national median. Local growers typically manage high-elevation soils that mirror the Idaho state average pH of 6.04. This volcanic-influenced landscape requires careful monitoring to balance mineral content.

A Complex Mix of Mountain Sediments

Data on exact sand, silt, and clay percentages is limited, yet the Teton Basin is known for its diverse sedimentary layers. These unrecorded textures dictate how easily your garden drains and how well it holds onto nutrients. Understanding your specific plot's feel is essential for determining its workability and moisture needs.

Striving for High-Altitude Soil Health

Without local organic matter data, the Idaho state average of 27.53% serves as a goal for local soil health. Growers here must maximize water retention to meet or exceed the state benchmark of 0.269 in/in. Amending your soil with compost helps bridge the gap in these rugged mountain environments.

Managing Water in a Steep Landscape

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the county's mountain slopes and valley floors create natural runoff challenges. Homebuilders and farmers must account for varied hydrologic behavior when planning foundations or irrigation systems. Proper site assessment ensures that seasonal snowmelt doesn't overwhelm your land.

Hardy Crops for Teton’s Short Season

Hardiness Zone 5a supports cold-tolerant varieties like kale, radishes, and potatoes during the brief summer. Use raised beds to warm the soil quickly and extend your growing window in this high-altitude climate. Start your seeds early to make the most of the intense mountain sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Teton County

via LawnByCounty

High Altitude Challenges in Teton County

Teton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 31.7, placing it below the Idaho state average of 33.3 and well behind the national median of 50.0. In this USDA Hardiness Zone 5a environment, homeowners face a uphill battle against a short growing season and cold mountain temperatures. Keeping a lawn lush here requires significantly more effort than in more temperate parts of the country.

Short Seasons and Scarce Rainfall

The county receives just 19.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half of the 40 inches many grass types prefer. While extreme heat is rare with only one day over 90°F annually, the low 1322 growing degree days mean turf develops slowly. The growing season is further restricted by a late spring frost that typically lingers until June 15.

Adapting to Unmapped Mountain Soils

Specific soil data for Teton County is currently limited in federal databases, necessitating local testing before you plant. To overcome the lack of data, gardeners should perform a home pH test to ensure levels sit between the ideal 6.0 and 7.0 range. Adding organic matter is a standard best practice to improve water retention in these high-altitude landscapes.

Constant Vigilance Against Dry Conditions

Teton County spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought conditions, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. This persistent water stress requires homeowners to prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems. Mulching around lawn edges and using smart irrigation controllers can help preserve every drop of available moisture.

Planting for Success in Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are the best choices for this climate due to their superior cold hardiness. Aim to seed or sod in late June once the threat of the June 15 frost has passed and soil temperatures rise. Despite the short summer, a well-planned lawn can thrive if you start during the brief window before the September 9 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teton County's county score?
Teton County, Idaho has a composite county score of 61.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Teton County rank among counties in Idaho?
Teton County ranks #6 among all counties in Idaho on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Teton County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Teton County is $2,143, with an effective tax rate of 0.31%. This earns Teton County a tax score of 97.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Teton County?
The median household income in Teton County, Idaho is $99,805 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Teton County earns an income score of 94.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Teton County, Idaho a good place to live?
Teton County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Teton County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Teton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.